Native Affairs.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 244, 22 July 1876, Page 6

Native Affairs.

REPORTS iON NATIVE DISTRICTS. (From the New Zealand Times.) Continuing our review of the “ Reports from Officers in Native Districts,” we come to a letter written by Mr. R. S. Bush from Raglan, on the 9th March last, in which he narrates the business transacted at an important meeting, held at Motakotako, in the King country, to decide an intertribal question. In another report, dated April 12th, he gives an interesting account of a curious native custom, called “te rakau ote mate.” It appears that Taavhiao’s little daughter had died, and as he had expressed fears that his other children would be carried off, the switch used to brush away the flies during her illness was carried from Pouwere to Raglan as a preventive measure, the place selected for depositing the obnoxious stick being Papahua, a sandy flat near the place where the girl had lived during a visit to Raglan. The ancient Maori custom, invariably adopted when a chief of rank died, was to retain the rakau, or stick, for a year or longer, and it was then frequently conveyed to the pa or residence of a former enemy against whom a grudge was still cherished, when, if any person of the opposite tribe was met by the party, he was instantly killed, which usually resulted in a war ; or if no person was met the stick was left, and afterwards an armed party went and attacked the pa. It will be easily understood how this absurd custom. must have been a perpetual cause of intertribal war. Mr. Bush, however, states that in the present instance the former custom was “more honored in the breach than in the observance,” seeing that though the bearers of the stick met several Europeans and a half-caste on the road, they did not molest them in any way. Another reason for carrying the stick was that a famous tohunga, or wizard, had stated ex cathedra that none of Taavhiao’s children Avould live, because the Natives had been guilty of the sacrilegious negligence of not conveying Potatau’s stick to some remote place. It may be remarked en passant that this curious custom has some parallels in the mortuary ceremonies of many European nations in the earlier ages of civilisation. Mr. Bush draws the most favorable inferences from the fact of his having been invited to travel over a road which had for many years been closed to Europeans, and to visit officially localities which had long been a kind of. terra incognita. He traces the altered disposition of the Kingites first to Sir Donald McLean’s visit to Kawhia ; and secondly, to his subsequent intervieAv Avith Taaviiiao at Waitomo, Avhich Mr. Bush says, “has made a far greater impression on him than you could imagine. ” Whilst at this place, Tapihana, Taavhiao’s mouthpiece, told Mr. Bush That he was delighted to think that he was again to be the iriend and companion of Europeans, who were Potatau’s parents and friends ; that I was to tell you (tlie Native Minister), although he had a great number of chiefs standing in front of him as a barrier between him and the object he most desired, yet the time was not far distant when everything would be arranged in accordance with what passed between you and him on board the Luna, finishing his words thus : Tell him “ kia mau ki ta maua tikanga, ko te otinga tena” —to stand fast to our arrangement; that will be the ending.

Taavhiao bad shown another striking indication of the Avelcome change that had come over him, by expressing an intention to improve the Kaharoa track to Kawdiia, so as to take a sledge across. In a letter of April 12th it is shown that the Kingites disseminated their neAV form of worship by sending out missionaries to other tribes. One section of the Ngatihinerangi, Avhen solicited to embrace the new karakia or worship, had declined in the following terms : “What do persons Avho sell land Avant Avith that religion?” Mr. Bush gives an account of his visit to settlements of the Ngatihana and other tribes, Avhom he found engaged in preparations for graingroAving and the erection of flour mills. At Wharepapa the natives had commenced making hats from the leaves of the kiekie plant—an industry first commenced by one of Te Kooti’s Avives. Mr. Brabant, Avriting from Opotiki, on December 1, 1875, and subsequent dates, supplies information respecting the shooting of Tukino te Marae by Himiona te Rua, the homicide having been committed in revenge for the supposd killing of certain relatives and friends of the murderer by means of witchcraft. In

other reports, the strong hold Avhich the belief in Avitchcraft still retains over the minds of the natives is noticed at some length, but it is satisfactory to find that Avhere any act of violence has been committed in revenge for the supposed exercise of infernal arts the natives Avillingly surrender the offenders to be dealt Avith by European courts, and all the officers express a confident belief that the firm attitude of the Government in reference to these cases Avill go far to disabuse the minds of the natives, and to remove those superstitions Avhich are the remnants of ignorance and barbarism. It Avill be remembered that Himiona te Rua Avas quietly surrendered by the Uriivera tribe, and Avas committed for trial by a bench of European magistrates, asisted by native assessors, at Opotiki, and was afterwards convicted by the Supreme Court at Auckland, and sentenced to death; but being recommended to mercy, the punishment Avas commuted to imprisonment. In this case the surrender of Himiona te Rua Avas no ordinary matter. So deeply Avere the natives imbued with the. belief in Avitchcraft, that several influential chiefs and seventy of their followers, of Tuhoe, addressed a letter to the Government, stating that Himiona had taken the lives of eleven persons by that means, and they urged that it Avas a law of their tribe “to kill people practising Avitchcraft, and that there the act of Himiona Avas no murderer, as it Avas done in broad daylight. Sir Donald McLean’s reply Avas firm and decisive : My Avord to you all with respect to this superstition is, that witchcraft was believed in in former days, but now that you have adopted Christianity, you shoiutl discard such ideas. You must give Himiona up to the law, that he may be tried for the crime he has committed. j. It Avas this reply and the exertions of the native officers that produced the surrender of Himiona, who was, so far as Ave can discover, the first native ever surrendered to the IaAV under similar circumstances —a fact which in itself shows the strong hold which the belief in witchcraft has exercised over the native mind.

It speaks volumes for the tact shoAvn by the Native department, and for the effectual influence. Avhich it is able to exercise at critical junctures, that Himiona te Rua AA r as quietly taken at the very time Avhen tAA r o poAverful tribes Avere in imminent danger of hostilities, and that by discretion and skill a disturbance, which might have been attended with serious consequences, was averted Avitbout bloodshed, at no extra cost ; and that, instead of leaving any ill-feeling in the minds of the natives at the active interference of the GoA r ernment, the two tribes were perfectly reconciled, and unanimously approved of the action taken. In a more carefully prepared report, of May 20, 1876, Mr. Brabant states that the natives in his district are industrious agriculturalists, producing large quantities of Avlieat and maize ; that they cheerfully submit to the laws, are gradually becoming more civilised than hitherto, and take an active interest in our electoral system. They cheerfully submit to the provisions of the Fencing, Highway, and Impounding Acts, however irksome to them. The settlement of the Ngatura hapu of the ’Whakatohea on lands set apart for them Avithin the European settled district of Opotiki, had been extended Avith excellent results, and Mr. Brabant thinks that “this plan of mixing native Avith European settlement might be ad.A Tantageously extended.” Mr. S. Yon Sturmer, R.M., Avriting also in May last, reports continued improvement in the habits and conduct of the natives in the Hokianga district. The system of inflicting imprisonment instead of fines has been found to produce salutary results ; the natives exhibit an increasing anxiety for the establishment of schools, those already founded havingfostered habits of cleanliness and regularity. Temperance is makinggreat progress, OAving to the example set by a number of total abstainers among the natives. The tribes also possess considerable herds of cattle, whose rapid increase has led the natives to desire the enforcement of. a IaAV compelling the use of distinctive brands. The natives express a strong desire for the location of settlers on their Avaste lands. Mr. Yon Sturmer notices the recent death of a chief named Papai hurihia, the great tohunga, or Avizard of his day in New Zealand, and generally believed to haA 7 e been the “ Atua Wera’ of Judge Manning’s “ War in the North.” . . Mr. W. B. White, R.M., Avriting from Mongonui in May last, reported that. the natives Avere engaged in gum-digging, farming, and other industries, and Avere competing successfully with Europeans in road-making. He notices a marked improvement in the health, habits, and general behavior of the natKes, AA’hich he attributes to their increasing sobriety. Throughout his district the Queen’s Avrit runs as freely as in the cities.

In the present article avc conclude our notices of the series of reports from officers in native districts, Avhich were commenced in our leading columns. Mr. E. M. Williams, Resident Magistrate at the Bay of Islands, reports undisturbed good feeling betAveen the two races in his district. The natives are engaged in gum-digging, falling and squaring timber,

and a section of them at Rawhiti, undaunted by a former failure, Avere making strenuous exertions to establish a Avhale fishery.. The mortality had been considerable, and it was Mr. Williams’ opinion that the Maori race in his district Avas diminishing in numbers. The establishment of native schools, Avhere the English language Avas taught and the children Avere disciplined in habits of cleanliness, had produced excellent results, and aAvakened. a general desire at Wakare, OhaeAvae, RaAvhiti, and elseAvhere for the opening of neAV schools, the natives having subscribed considerable sums of money, and set aside land for the purpose of sites. The Maori crops had suffered severely from inundations. The natives had exhibited much interest and a creditable degree of intelligence in the election contest, and a strong and general desire had been aAvakened “ for the full establishment of British IaAV, administered alike to both races, the more intelligent beginning to discern the justice of our laws in comparison Avith the absurdity of their OAvn.” They had also conquered their former repugnance to imprisonment for . offences against law, recognising “ that the misconduct of one man does not necessarily disgrace a community.” Mr. H. T. Kemp, Civil Commissioner of Auckland, reports that the Waikato natives Avere rapidly exerting themselves to re-estab-lish themselves on their small holdings, and were becoming sensible of the advantages of education.

Mr. Buckey, native agent of the Thames, reports that the natives in that district are thoroughly amenable to laaa t , readily obeying any process of the courts. Hau Hauism Avas rapidly declining, but the natives Avere retrogading in agricultural pursuits—a fact doubtless attributable to the inevitable consequences attendant upon the proximity of a large mining population, the considerable incomes realised from leases, and the larger profits offered, by mining industry. Drunkenness Avas diminishing. No native school had been established, but a number of children received tuition at a European school. Major Mair reports from Alexandra, in May last, that grain-groAving is extending, and that considerable numbers of the Waikato and Ngatimaniapoto tribes have moved doAvn close to the confiscated boundary, in order to be nearer a market; that the natives generally are devoting their spare capital to the purchase of agricultural implements; and that owing to the extension of the temperance movement, and the disuse of intoxicating liquors at political and social meetings, drunkenness and crime are rapidly disappearing. The Hau Hau section of NgatiraukaAva, formerly bitterly hostile to Europeans, have become industrious and friendly, are expending large sums in the purchase of handmills for grinding wheat, and are engaging in pastoral pursuits on a considerable scale ; while there are unmistakable indications that “it cannot be long before entirely satisfactory relations are established” between.the two races.

Mr. C. Marshall, of LoAver Waikato, reports that “ the Avhole of the Ngatitahinga, Ngatitipa, and Ngatireko tribes”, remain loyal, and conform to and uphold British IaAV, and “ that they are sober and Avell conducted, abstaining from intoxicating drinks.” Mr. W. H. Harsant, R. M. at Raglan, states that there is “less drunkenness, and card-playing, and consequently less crime;” that the natives are anxious to obtain employment in road-making, and that it Avill not be difficult to induce the Kingites to resume their former friendly intercourse with Europeans. Mr. Hopkins Clarke, of Tauranga, writes that there has been very little crime, that the natives are favorably disposed towards the Government, that the native school at Whareroa is progressing favorably, and that but for the heavy rains the crops in the district Avould have amounted to at least 25,000 bushels of Avheat and 3000 of oats, in addition to large productions of maize, lcumaras, &c. Mr. J. E. Hamlin, of Malcetu, reports that Avhile drunkenness is diminishing at Maketu, there is no improvement at the inland settlements, where the natives are supplied Avith the means of intoxication by visitors. A European doctor Avas urgently needed ; the native schools had improved both in attendance and status, and an increasing desire Avas evinced to individualise titles to land, and to fence in property. Mr. Campbell, R.M. at Waiapu, and Dr. Nesbitt, R.M., Gisborne, report that the schools are flourishing, that the natives are generally industrious and obedient to the laws ; in fact, in the latter district they “ have rather too great a desire to take advantage of the Resident Magistrate’s Court in all difficulties both amongst themselves and with Europeans. Di\ Ormond, of Wairoa, reports that the natives “ are quiet and obedient to our laws, that intemperance has been steadily decreasing,” and that the natives exhibit an intelligent interest in public affairs, “ numbers of them being subscribers to the Waka Maori, and the amount both of letters and telegrams received by them is astonishing,” the very men who opposed the erection of the telegraph being uoav the most anxious to take advantage of it. The mortality amongst the natives lias been heavy, “measles, influenza, and other epidemics sweeping them down indiscriminately. Many of the natives find employment in saAVing timber, splitting posts and sleepers, sheep shearing, &c., and a party are engaged in completing the Wairoa-Poverty Bay inland road. The natives are also anxious to establish their titles to land, and the native school at Waihiriri is in a flourishing condition. Dr. Ormon d says: —“There has been a deal of talk about witchcraft in the neighborhood, but since the check put on Himiona, a native of Whakati, and a perfect fanatic in his belief of his own poAvers, it has suddenly ceased.” Mr. H. S. Wardell, Resident Magistrate of Wairarapa, reports in the following laconic styleSir,—ln reply to your circular letter of the 30 th of March last, I have the honor to report that the natives of this district continue to recognise fully the authority of the courts of IaAV, and that the relations between them and the settlers remain satisfactory.

Major Brown, Civil Commissioner of New Plymouth, reports that the Ngatiawa and Ngatitama tribes “ have subsided into the peaceful state that the two races in other parts of the colony have lived in for some time.” They have also been “ steadily alienating their lands to the Government,” partly, the commissioner thinks, “with the object of not affording an asylum again in Ngatiinaru in the event of hostilities.” The Ngatiruanui natives south of Waingongoro have sold some land outside the confiscated boundary, and have shown a disposition to meet the Government as regards the occupation by settlers of those portions of the confiscated lands that have not hitherto been occupied. The natives were insisting on the right of leasing their reserves to Europeans, and some difficulty had arisen in the settlement of the rights to the proceeds of these leases, of which Major Brown recommends solution in future, by making small reserves in numbers, instead of in large blocks. . He notices that the settlement of the Waimate plains continues to be obstructed by Europeans whose interests are adverse to the Government. The tribes between Stony river and Opunalce continue to oppose land selling ; but in reference to the erection of the telegraph, Te Whiti had practically withdrawn his opposition. The report says:—“ Their efforts have been, and are still, to keep the peace between the two races, and they deserve great credit for their success. . . . I can say that the indications of the native feeling in this province are altogether averse to any renewal of hostilities with us.”

Mr. R. W. Woon, Resident Magistrate of Wanganui, writes a long and intesting report. He says that the native mind is in a state of transition, “ searching out some means whereby advantage may accrue to the race ” ; but “ unfortunately suspicions are often raised in their minds by designing persons, and their faith in the good intentions of the Government rudely shaken, and a spirit of restlessness generated which cannot but prove prejudicialin its effects.” He thinks “ it will be well for the natives when they have disposed of their surplus lands, and settle down to improve and make use of their ample reserves,” when they will engage in industrial pursuits. He tells us that “ the natives all around (Wanganui) are anxious to maintain peaceful relations with the Europeans,” and they exhibit an increased disposition to have recourse to the law for redress. He then quotes a remarkable instance of ready compliance with our laws. A young man, while playing with a Maori girl of another tribe, was accidentally pushed over a cliff, and sustained injuries from which he died. In former times a feud would have resulted between the two tribes, but in this case a jury was held, and a verdict of accidental death recorded, with which the natives were pei’fectly satisfied. He quotes another remarkable instance of the law-abiding disposition of the Wanganui tribes. Tapa te Waero, a cousin of Titolcowaru, and two other Ngarauru chiefs, having attempted to assert a right to resume possession of a portion of the confiscated land, they allowed themselves to be brought into Wanganui by night under a public escort, so that the question of their rights might he decided by the Supreme Court. Regarding the result, Mr. Woon remarks :—“And I would take occasion here to remark that the prosecution in that case, as directed by the Government, has had a very good effect, and satisfaction at the decision and advice given to the trespassers by the Chief Justice has found full expression amongst the Maori population, who are, as a consequence, likely to evince still greater regard and respect for the law and the Queen’s Court in the future.” Mr. Woon believes that drinking habits are on the increase among the natives, the principal chiefs setting a bad example in this respect, and the bad example set in the towns having a baneful effect, the natives thinking “they cannot do better than imitate their white friends and neighbors in their fondness for strong drink.” The natives had produced the usual crops of wheat, maize, and potatoes, a large portion of which had been disposed of to Europeans at good prices. The growing of hops had not been prosperous, owing to the ignorance of the natives, as to the proper methods of gathering and drying; but the Pipiriki natives were making a further trial on a considerable scale. An up-river chief named Manurau had taken much pains in planting out and progagating the mulberry tree, had succeeded admirably, and was being instructed by the Rev. B. K. Taylor in the manipulation and feeding of silkworms. Mr. Woon suggests :—“ If a nursery could be started by some competent European on the river under the auspices and fostering care of the Government, instruction might be given to the natives in these and like branches of industry, and a further means of profit opened up to them. The matter is worthy of consideration, and has been specially reported on by me ; for a variety of industrial pursuits might be introduced at same time to the advantage of both races, including the planting of forest trees.” Very satisfactory progress had been made in the matter of flour-mills. The iron machinery for the Kax'initi mill, on the Wanganui river, imported from Glasgow at a cost of £2BO, had been placed in the mill-house, which was approaching completion, a machinist and two carpenters having been engaged in the work. Machinery for the Karatia mill had been cast at Wanganui, at a cost of £110; the millhouse was completed, and as soon as the further machinery required—about £9O worth —was to hand, the mill was to be placed under competent supervision, and be put in operation. Timber was being prepared for the Pipiririki mill, and Mr. Prin had been engaged by the natives to superintend the completion of the various mills. Mr. Woon expresses a belief that the erection of these mills will stimulate grain-growing, and will improve the physical health of the natives by the increased consumption of flour. The natives at Jerusalem and London, on the Wanganui river, were anxious to place their dairy stock under the charge of some trustworthy European, whereby milk and butter might be produced for consumption among the tribes. The natives had

manifested a desire to become extensive flockowners, they were “ opening their eyes to the riches to be derived from wool-growing, and to the tending of cattle, and pastoral pursuits will ere long become the order of the day.” Mr. Woon then refers to an important native meeting held in Februai’y and March last, in the Tuhua country, some 230 miles up the Wanganui river. The meeting was called by Rewi Maniapoto, and other Tuhua and Wanganui chiefs, including Mete Ivingi, late M.H.R., and thereat important land questions were discussed. Here Rewi “ enunciated a fresh political principle respecting future land sales, to the effect that he had done with opposing actively the sale of land ; that those who persisted in so doing must abide by the consequence of their acts.” After some reference to the historic reminiscences of the country, in order to show the altered feeling of the natives, Mr. Woon goes on to say that two native schools on the Wanganui river are in full ojjeration under most efficient management, and that sufficient en-

couragement is offered for the hope that the Maoris “ will ere long awake to the necessity of taking due advantage of these seminaries, which will open up to them the highway to learning and advancement as a people.” There had been much sickness amongst the natives in the up-river pas, but life had been saved in numerous instances through the instrumentality of the school teachers and the thoughtful provision of the Government in dispensing medicines. The natives had willingly furnished numerous valuable exhibits for the Centennial Exhibition at Philadelphia ; the WciTca Maori newspaper was largely read ; and in religious matters, Mr. Woon is of opinion that there is a promising field for missionary' labor on the river, with its 2000 native population. The temporary disturbing influence created by the visit of Henare Matua was fast disappearing, and many of the natives who were prominent adherents of the movement had abandoned it, and were having recourse to the European Courts in all disputed questions. Mr. J. Booth reports favorably from Eoxton as to the natives in the Wanganui-Rangitikei district. The Henare Matua agitation was dying out, and opposition to trigonometrical surveys had almost entirely ceased. Notwithstanding the opposition of certain Waikato chiefs, Topini teMamaku and other Wanganui natives had passed a large block of land through the Court, and completed the sale to the Government. The natives generally were less inclined to take the law into their own hands, and in two cases, at Wangaehu and Rangitikei, had settled one by arbitration, and in the other had accepted the terms offered by the Government. Mr. Booth rep©rts an increasing desire on the part of the natives throughout the district to have their children educated. Referring to the industrial occupations of the natives, he says :—“ During this year the natives have gi'own larger grain crops than I have noticed for many years past. They are also improving their stock, especially horses, both draught and riding horses. Many of them own small flocks of sheep, and at every village may be seen ploughs, harrows, carts, &c. Many of the natives have during the year executed legal leases of portions of their estate, and are now enjoying the benefits thereof. They seem upon the whole to be prosperous and contented.” Respecting the ManawatuWellington district Mr. Booth reports general prosperity ; the abandonment of Hauhauism by a large majority in favor of Christianity. At Otaki, formei’ly notorious for immorality, idleness, and dishonesty, and at other places, “ almost the whole native population attend church regularly every day, morning and evening ; where there is a school, the children attend very regularly ; and the leading chiefs of the Ngatiraukawa tribe have determined to build churches at all the more populous villages. At Otaki three young men are preparing, under the Rev. J. McWilliam, to enter the Church of England as deacons. There is a good (Bishop’s) school at Otaki, where only English is taught; and a school is to be commenced this month at Awahuri.” Intemperance was still very prevalent, but the chiefs and teachers were strenuously exerting themselves to suppress it. A chief named Matene te Whiwhi had attended a meeting at Napier, where it was proposed to form a league for the prevention of future land sales, or leases to the Government, or private individuals, and the obstruction of roads and telegraphs. But “ when Matene made his report to the Ngatiraukawa tribe they refused, one and all, to accept the proposals which were made to them, and they passed a resolution to the effect that none of their tribe should be allowed in future to attend political meetings. They further declared their loyalty to the Government, and their determination to live in obedience to the laws.”

Major Willis, R.M. at Mar ton, reports that the number of Maoris in his district is gradually decreasing, principally owing to their departure to less settled districts. Recent election contests had roused the Maoris to a sense of their political responsibilities, and no fewer than thirty-two claims to vote had been sent in from the Manawatu district alone. Preparations were being made for opening a native school at Awahuri.

Mr. A. Maclcay, of Nelson, reports that the natives are pursuing their usual avocations, and that their general conduct has beeu good. Hop-growing had been commenced by the natives at Motueka, and the native schools were prospering. Mr. Maclcay thinks—“ It would be advisable on moral grounds, if for no other reason, that the practice of recognising marriages according to Maox-i custom should be discoxxntenanced, and the people required, as far as passible, to conform to our laws.” He also recommends a system of registration for census purposes, and the individualisation of titles to land.

Mr. Stack reports that the Maori population of Canterbury had hitherto been exti’enxely healthy, but during the previous year epidemic diseases had thinned their ranks. Change of air and diet had, howevei’, produced salutary results. The natives appear to evince an extraoi'dinai’y suspicion of European agents in

dealing with their lands, preferring rather to incur a bad bargain made by themselves, than a better one by any other pei-son. In this way they are constantly plunging themselves into difficulties, though in general they are remarkably honest in their dealings with tradespeople. Upon the whole these reports ai-e eminently satisfaetoi’y and reassuring. They show that by a long interval of peace and the absence of those disturbing causes which bring out all the latent bad qualities of the Maori nature, the race may gradually assimilate its mode of life to that of Europeans, may settle down to habits of industry and thrift, may be taught to value and enjoy all the advantages of education and intellectual progress, and may become lai’gely conti’ibutoi-y to the genei’al welfare and advancement of the colony. A result such as this must be earnestly desii'ed by all who have the real welfare of the colony at heart. It is a result far more ci-editable to our own Christian enlightenment, and to our colonising skill, than any mere triumphs achieved by the sword —triumphs which are after all productive of barren results ; for while they leave behind them no conscientious approval, they sow a plentiful crop of demoralization, debt, and disaster, compensated for by no enduring or ennobling reminiscences.